Get the scoop from the 2014 Phillies Ballgirls as they share their experiences

Catching up with the Vets

Name: Moira

Occupation/School: Student at Villanova University

Favorite Player: Chase Utley

Describe yourself in one word: Enthusiastic

One thing fans may not realize about our on-field responsibilities: Most of you fans think that we are always on either the first or third baseline, but this actually differs from game to game so we all have experience from both perspectives of the field!

Favorite memory from your rookie season: Christmas in July (toy collection and dancing on the dugout)

What have you been doing during off-season? Since I transferred colleges this year, I have been spending my off-season getting used to my new college, Villanova! It’s been a great move and I’m so happy to be back in my hometown of Philadelphia!

One thing fans may not realize about our on-field responsibilities: Jacket runs are fun…until the 7th run at 3:30pm on a Sunday in July.

Favorite memory from your rookie season: My last training game was the game that went into the 19th inning. It felt like a playoff game and was so exciting. They moved the remaining fans to the lower level and the wave went around 5 times without stopping. It was awesome.

What have you been doing during off-season? The biggest change in my life in the off season is that I got engaged! Everyone is really excited … no the wedding will not be at CBP : )

Name: Leanne

Occupation/School: University of Pennsylvania, Pre-dental student

Favorite Player: Carlos Ruiz (John Kruk – past player)

Describe yourself in one word: Indescribable

One thing fans may not realize about our on-field responsibilities: I don’t think fans would expect exactly how unpredictable foul balls can be once they hit the fence beyond the dugouts.

Favorite memory from your rookie season: Being on the field for John Kruk’s induction into the Phillies’ Wall of Fame.

What have you been doing during the off-season? I’ve been working towards admission to Dental School.

Name: Sammy

Occupation/School: Penn State University, sophomore studying Community, Environment, and Development

Favorite Player: John Mayberry Jr.

Describe yourself in one word: Cheerful

One thing fans may not realize about our on-field responsibilities: The idea of missing a jacket run is the most terrifying thought I have while on the field! I am constantly looking over to the bull pen whether it’s the 1st or 9th inning!Favorite memory from your rookie season: My favorite memory of my Rookie season was being trained the night of the 19 inning-game and being able to see Wilson Valdez on the mound pitching to big-league hitters!

What have you been doing during the off-season? During this offseason I have been very busy with my schoolwork for 19 credits worth of classes! I also participated in the Penn State Dance Marathon which benefits the fight against pediatric cancer! Although I was not one of the dancers who were on their feet for 46 straight hours, I supported my organization by spending at least 30 hours dancing and cheering in the stands throughout the weekend! It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever been a part of and it was worth the months of preparation and fundraising to see our total money raised of $10.6 million for the kids!

Name: Genevieve (Gen)

Occupation/School: Hofstra University/Consumer Marketing Manager

Favorite Player: Chase Utley

Describe yourself in one word: Passionate

One thing fans may not realize about our on-field responsibilities: A lot of fans think we are only one side of the field but we normally will switch sides throughout the year. We also are responsible for picking up any opposing homerun baseballs that get tossed back out on the field. Let’s not forget about the long run to centerfield to grab the pitcher’s jackets! We can’t complain about those especially when its cold out.

Favorite memory from your rookie season: They playoff rally trolly and the post season pre-game activities! I was also on the field with Kristina last year for Fireworks night so we got to enjoy the show while sitting on the field! They are the BEST fire works I have ever seen!

What have you been doing during off-season? I work full time in circulation and marketing with the Philadelphia Inquirer and volunteer with the HEADstrong Foundation. I just recently moved to Center City so I am enjoying being here and finding new restaurants and hang out spots :o)

Name: Jamie

School: University of Delaware

Occupation: Transportation Engineer

Favorite Player: Chase Utley

Describe yourself in 1 word: Genuine

What is one thing fans might not realize about our on field responsibilities? We have to face a lot of similar issues that the players do, in terms of shadows, finding the ball in the air under the lights and in the sun, the heat, and everything else that goes on on the baseball diamond. But the main difference is, when all else fails, we can get out of the way!

Favorite memory from the Rookie season: Being on the field for Game 5 of the NLDS, even if the Phillies couldn’t pull out the win. The fans truly created the most memorable experience for me and one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The sights and sounds from that game were just amazing, and I still feel so lucky to have experienced it from my seat as a ballgirl. It was the loudest baseball game I’d ever attended, and the fans were so mentally and emotionally determined. They never let up, from the first pitch to the last. Even then, no one wanted to let go. My view from the 3rd baseline, which consisted of some of the greatest pitching I have ever seen, a sea of Phillies red, and the white blur of the rally towels in constant motion, still gives me chills. I couldn’t have asked for a better atmosphere to watch my favorite baseball team play.

What’s been happing during the off season: In the offseason I’ve been staying busy with my other job, as a civil engineer, doing some regional traveling on the weekends and cheering on the other Philadelphia sports teams, but nothing can quite match the excitement of the Phillies season for me. So really, I’m just waiting for Opening Day 2012!

Name: Samantha

School/Occupation: Camden county college

Favorite Player (past, present, or both): Shane Victorino

Describe yourself in one word: Silly

What is one thing fans might not realize about our on field responsibilities? Having to stay focused while being on the field.

Favorite memory from the Rookie season: Stepping on to the field for the first time.

What have you been doing during the off-season: During the off-season I attend school at Camden county. I also took a mini vacation to Florida.

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